Florida Banking August 2023

JIM BANGE, EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN

Jim Bange is a Florida native, born in Miami and raised in Lake Park. After graduating from Stetson University, Bange went to work for local State Representative Sam Bell, who helped Bange get into banking as a credit analyst at American Pioneer Savings Bank in Daytona Beach. He then worked as a credit analyst and credit manager for Barnett Bank / Volusia County until he was approached by Tom Ingram and Jimmy Ford at SouthTrust Bank to become a commercial lender. After stints at SouthTrust and Colonial Bank, Bange helped start Reunion Bank of Florida in 2008 with Mike Sleaford. It was after Reunion Bank of Florida sold in 2014 that Bange began having discussions with Chad Bowling and Mark Chastain about starting a new community bank. When they heard about a bank in Barwick, Ga., for sale, the team met with the CEO of Barwick Banking Company and quickly agreed on a purchase that closed January 1, 2020. Bange lives with his wife, Kelley, in Flagler Beach, and together they have a family of four grown children.

CHAD BOWLING, PRESIDENT AND CEO

Chad Bowling has been in banking for over 22 years. He began his banking career as a teller at SouthTrust Bank and has held a variety of positions with experience on both the retail and commercial side of the business. Bowling currently serves on the Board of the St. Augustine YMCA and is a member of the Rotary Club of St. Augustine. Bowling’s favorite aspect of banking is being able to apply a common sense approach to find a solution that will serve the various needs in the community. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, boating, sports, and traveling.

WWW.FLORIDABANKERS.COM AUGUST 2023 — 11